Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

International arrivals clear US Customs and Border Protection, then baggage, then customs.

• ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa must be arranged before departure.
• Ride-hailing and taxi pickups use designated areas rather than the terminal kerb — follow the signage.
• Terminal-to-terminal walking is possible for some terminals; free shuttle buses cover the rest.

• Zug

  Metro rail connection

  An automated people mover and metro connections link LAX with the regional rail network; check current service status before relying on it.

• Bus

  FlyAway and shuttles

  Nonstop bus services connect LAX with Union Station and other points; shared shuttles serve hotels.

• Taxi

  Taxis

  Licensed taxis operate from designated pickup areas.

  Traffic dominates journey times far more than distance.

• Fahrdienste

  Ride-hailing

  Uber and Lyft pick up from a designated ride-share area reached by shuttle — allow extra time.

• Mietwagen

  Rental cars

  Rental companies operate from a consolidated facility reached by shuttle; a car is genuinely useful in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is spread out — check the drive time to your specific neighbourhood, not just 'the city'.

Connections may require leaving and re-entering security, especially between TBIT and domestic terminals.

• International arrivals must clear immigration and customs before any onward domestic flight.
• Allow generous time; LAX transfers involve significant walking or shuttle rides.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the passenger terminals.

• Connect to the airport's public network and follow the sign-in page.
• Treat public airport Wi-Fi as untrusted — avoid banking and account logins.
• An eSIM activated before you fly means you are online the moment you land, without hunting for a network.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry small cash for tips.

• ATMs are available across the terminals.
• Tipping is customary — commonly 15-20%.
• Displayed prices exclude sales tax.

Extensive dining airside in most terminals, including well-regarded local operators in TBIT.

• Landside options are limited.

Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges operate in several terminals including TBIT.

• Confirm your lounge is in your departure terminal.

A large hotel cluster sits immediately around the airport with shuttle services.

• Useful given LA traffic before an early flight.

Baggage storage services operate near the airport.

• Report delayed or damaged bags to your airline before leaving baggage claim.
• Use TSA-recognised locks on checked bags.

Nursing rooms and family restrooms are available.

• Request accessibility assistance through your airline in advance.

• Charging points
• Pharmacies
• Prayer room
• Information desks
• Pet relief areas
• SIM / mobile shops

Lokale Notrufnummer: 911

• Airport police and paramedics operate at LAX.
• Report a lost passport to police and contact your consulate.

• Prüfen Sie die Gültigkeit Ihres Reisepasses und ob ein Visum, eine ETA oder eine Einreiseerklärung erforderlich ist.
• Bestätigen Sie am Vortag Ihr Abflugterminal auf Ihrer Bordkarte.
• Aktivieren Sie eine Reise-eSIM, damit Sie sofort nach der Landung online sind.
• Laden Sie Offline-Karten herunter und machen Sie einen Screenshot Ihrer Hoteladresse und Buchungsreferenz.
• Informieren Sie Ihre Bank über Ihre Reise und führen Sie eine Ersatz-Zahlungskarte mit sich.
• Speichern Sie die lokale Notrufnummer und die Kontaktdaten Ihrer Botschaft auf Ihrem Telefon.
• Fotografieren Sie Ihren Reisepass und speichern Sie die Kopie an einem Ort, auf den Sie offline zugreifen können.
• Prüfen Sie die Gepäckbestimmungen und eventuelle eingeschränkte Gegenstände für Ihr Reiseziel.

Der Flughafenbetrieb ändert sich. Bestätigen Sie Terminals, Tarife und Fahrpläne immer mit den unten genannten offiziellen Quellen, bevor Sie reisen.

• LAX official siteOffizielle Flughafenquelle
• CBP — TravelRegierungsquelle
• CBP — Travel and customs allowancesRegierungsquelle
• LA Metro rail and busOffizielle Verkehrsbetriebe
• LAX FlyAway busOffizielle Verkehrsbetriebe
• 911.govRegierungsquelle